Gigantocellular Neurons Awaken the Brain from Deep Pharmacologically-Induced Coma

Attempts at neuromodulation using deep brain stimulation (DBS) have targeted a number of loci in brain arousal pathways such as the thalamus, mesencephalon and cervical cord. However, recovery following single location stimulation remains modest, especially in comatose patients. Although some of these pathways can trigger awakening from sleep or light planes of anesthesia upon activation are insufficient to promote arousal from a deeper arousal state like coma. Interpretation of these results suggests that to fully emerge from a deep arousal state, coordination of multiple pathways is required.

Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - January 22, 2019 Category: Neurology Authors: S. Gao, A. Proekt, N. Renier, D. Calderon, D. Pfaff Source Type: research